Gelcich, Stefan

Abstract [en]

1. Bottom-up participatory processes to create and manage no-take marine protected areas have been proposedas a way to scale-up marine conservation and deal with the lack of support and compliance of top-downconservation approaches. However, bottom-up conservation does not always lead to positive outcomes, thus itis increasingly important to understand the conditions that determine the establishment and implementation ofthese initiatives.

2. Establishment and implementation processes were compared empirically for two contrasting bottom-upno-take marine protected areas that have been developing under the same political setting, however, one has beensuccessful and the other has stalled.

4. Non-significant differences were found between the two initiatives in terms of stakeholders’ motivations tocreate a no-take marine protected area.

5. Significant differences were found in stakeholders’ communication, support and information flow networks,in addition to differences in participation, and satisfaction with the establishment and implementation process.

6. Results highlight that for the implementation and consolidation of bottom-up no-take marine protected areasinitiatives, common interests do not necessarily lead to common action, partnerships will not emerge automaticallyin response to potential benefits.

7. Understanding disparities in participation, information sharing and communication are key aspects which must beconsidered for creating and supporting successful marine protected areas based on bottom-up participatory processes.